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are stage 1 survival rates really that good?
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are stage 1 survival rates really that good?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › are stage 1 survival rates really that good?

  • Post
    • August 26, 2014 at 6:48 pm
    JC
    Participant

      I was just denied a 20 year term life insurance policy because of an early stage 1 melanoma from a couple years ago.  If the survival rates are really as positive as what I thought, why would an underwriter decline coverage if the expected survival is 90%+ ?

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    • Replies
        • August 26, 2014 at 8:06 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          Because they can.  Melanoma has always been a bit of a wild card and insurance companies have always shied away from covering anyone who has had it with the exception of in situ.  And even that isn't always covered.

            • August 26, 2014 at 8:13 pm
            JC
            Participant

              just seems like such a contradiction.. hearing over and over again "low risk" "high survival" "probably won't deal with again" etc. . only to have an underwriter indicate they feel the risk to be greater and the survival to be lower.  guess i'll just have to survive and show them they missed out on all my premiums

              • August 27, 2014 at 3:15 am
              Janner
              Participant

                I think one of the reasons is that melanoma can come back many years later.  It doesn't have a "5 years NED and you are cured" status like some of the other cancers.  Since it also doesn't have great treatments with high survival rates, if it spreads your risk is higher from dying of melanoma than some other cancers with better treatment options.  I agree, it sucks.  I have insurance through my work.  I was laid off of one job and was able to continue that life insurance paying that premium in addition to life insurance (basic, can't add on much without disclosing melanoma) from my current employer.  Not ideal, but it is what I have.

                • August 27, 2014 at 3:15 am
                Janner
                Participant

                  I think one of the reasons is that melanoma can come back many years later.  It doesn't have a "5 years NED and you are cured" status like some of the other cancers.  Since it also doesn't have great treatments with high survival rates, if it spreads your risk is higher from dying of melanoma than some other cancers with better treatment options.  I agree, it sucks.  I have insurance through my work.  I was laid off of one job and was able to continue that life insurance paying that premium in addition to life insurance (basic, can't add on much without disclosing melanoma) from my current employer.  Not ideal, but it is what I have.

                  • August 27, 2014 at 3:15 am
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    I think one of the reasons is that melanoma can come back many years later.  It doesn't have a "5 years NED and you are cured" status like some of the other cancers.  Since it also doesn't have great treatments with high survival rates, if it spreads your risk is higher from dying of melanoma than some other cancers with better treatment options.  I agree, it sucks.  I have insurance through my work.  I was laid off of one job and was able to continue that life insurance paying that premium in addition to life insurance (basic, can't add on much without disclosing melanoma) from my current employer.  Not ideal, but it is what I have.

                    • August 26, 2014 at 8:13 pm
                    JC
                    Participant

                      just seems like such a contradiction.. hearing over and over again "low risk" "high survival" "probably won't deal with again" etc. . only to have an underwriter indicate they feel the risk to be greater and the survival to be lower.  guess i'll just have to survive and show them they missed out on all my premiums

                      • August 26, 2014 at 8:13 pm
                      JC
                      Participant

                        just seems like such a contradiction.. hearing over and over again "low risk" "high survival" "probably won't deal with again" etc. . only to have an underwriter indicate they feel the risk to be greater and the survival to be lower.  guess i'll just have to survive and show them they missed out on all my premiums

                      • August 26, 2014 at 8:06 pm
                      Janner
                      Participant

                        Because they can.  Melanoma has always been a bit of a wild card and insurance companies have always shied away from covering anyone who has had it with the exception of in situ.  And even that isn't always covered.

                        • August 26, 2014 at 8:06 pm
                        Janner
                        Participant

                          Because they can.  Melanoma has always been a bit of a wild card and insurance companies have always shied away from covering anyone who has had it with the exception of in situ.  And even that isn't always covered.

                          • August 27, 2014 at 5:37 pm
                          ChemistLN
                          Participant

                            I've been denied time and time again because I was on a breast cancer drug 7 years ago as an off label (and very commonly prescribed) infertility drug.  I've even produced records that I never had breast cancer.  They don't care, it's an easy no for them every time.  So, I agree, it's just because they can.  I know with a few companies they will try underwriting you for a more expensive, locked in plan if you give them more info.  If you can make it past the initial screening, you might get lucky. 

                            • August 27, 2014 at 5:37 pm
                            ChemistLN
                            Participant

                              I've been denied time and time again because I was on a breast cancer drug 7 years ago as an off label (and very commonly prescribed) infertility drug.  I've even produced records that I never had breast cancer.  They don't care, it's an easy no for them every time.  So, I agree, it's just because they can.  I know with a few companies they will try underwriting you for a more expensive, locked in plan if you give them more info.  If you can make it past the initial screening, you might get lucky. 

                              • August 27, 2014 at 5:37 pm
                              ChemistLN
                              Participant

                                I've been denied time and time again because I was on a breast cancer drug 7 years ago as an off label (and very commonly prescribed) infertility drug.  I've even produced records that I never had breast cancer.  They don't care, it's an easy no for them every time.  So, I agree, it's just because they can.  I know with a few companies they will try underwriting you for a more expensive, locked in plan if you give them more info.  If you can make it past the initial screening, you might get lucky. 

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